Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh: The National Athletics Championship is being organized for the first time in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. For this event to be held from October 29 to 31, Gold Medalist Olympian Neeraj Chopra has sent a video message to the organizers as well as the players participating in the competition. The competition will be inaugurated on Saturday by Assembly Speaker Charandas Mahant and Revenue Minister Jai Singh Agrawal.
National General Secretary of the Athletics Association Ravindra Chaudhary said that this event is being organized to promote athletics in Chhattisgarh. 48 teams including 28 states, 9 union territories, and 11 recognized units are participating in this competition, in which 711 female and male players will participate in 44 events.
The championship will be selected as per the norms of the International Athletics Federation. Along with this, sports equipment and materials are also being provided by the state. In collaboration with the District Administration, Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Municipal Corporation, and Public Works Department, repairs have been made for the arrangement of the playground, sports equipment, and warm-up track and accommodation for the players. For this, 48 lakh rupees from the DMF fund and other items have also been given.
National General Secretary Ravindra Chaudhary said that this will give a platform to the players of remote areas and their talent will come to the fore. He also said that this would also lead to infrastructure development in these areas. Athletics coaching will also start here soon. A coach has been appointed for the players. Children from poor families will participate here, if they get encouragement, then more people will also get inspired and join the game.
About 350 official employees including 27 technical delegates and technical officials from the federation, 50 officials and 125 volunteers from Chhattisgarh, and members of the organizing committee will participate in the competition. Chhattisgarh Athletics Association President GS Bambara, District President Vijay Kesharwani, Secretary Amarnath Singh, and Gujarat State General Secretary Laxman were present on the occasion.
Athletes from different states have already started reaching Bilaspur in this competition to be hosted by Chhattisgarh Athletic Association and District Athletic Association. Arrangements for their accommodation and food have been made on the Bahatrai Stadium premises itself. There will be arrangements for a hostel for girls and an indoor stadium for men.